Over P40 Million Vape Products Seized at Manila Port
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted more than P40 million worth of vape products falsely declared as kitchen items at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The seizure highlights the agency’s commitment to stopping illegal imports and protecting public health.
Key BOC officials, including Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales, and District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba, personally inspected the confiscated items on Thursday. According to sources, the hold orders for these shipments were placed as early as January 2025 after Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received derogatory information.
Inspection and Discovery of Vape Products
The physical examination conducted on July 14 uncovered 81,000 assorted vape products concealed alongside sacks of fully refined paraffin wax. Authorities suspect these shipments originated from China and were deliberately mislabeled to evade detection.
“Our operations are anchored on a whole-of-agency approach that prioritizes intelligence, swift execution, and legal action against those who attempt to evade customs laws,” a senior official stated.
Health and Economic Risks Highlighted by BOC
District Collector Torralba emphasized the dangers posed by smuggling vape products. “Smuggling operations involving vape products pose significant health and economic risks. The MICP fully supports Commissioner Ariel in safeguarding our borders and ensuring that only lawful and properly declared goods enter the country,” he said.
Warrants of seizure and detention were issued on July 23, and the shipments are now undergoing forfeiture proceedings due to violations of Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Officials are also building a case to identify those responsible, who may face additional charges under Republic Act No. 11900, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and other trade regulations.
Previous Major Vape Product Seizures
This is not the first time the BOC has seized large quantities of vape products. Earlier this year, on March 15, authorities confiscated P1.18 billion worth of allegedly smuggled disposable vapes, vape pods, used clothing, and other items from a warehouse in Valenzuela City. The CIIS director confirmed that these products also originated from China.
For more news and updates on vape product seizures, visit Filipinokami.com.
